Dhobi Ghat Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat featuring a city
Dhobi Ghat

Walk amid the labyrinth of alleys of this fascinating open-air laundry, where hundreds of workers painstakingly hand wash much of the city’s clothing.

Experience the enthralling sights, sounds and smells of the hard-working Dhobi Ghat, a huge open-air laundry community. Stroll between washing pens and meet the dhobis (laundrymen) for the chance to see a slice of quintessential Mumbai and Indian culture. Dhobi Ghat dates back to 1890 and today is home to hundreds of dhobis and their families. Almost all of the dhobis learn the trade as an occupation passed down by generations of skilled workers. Preview this setting in the 2011 film Dhobi Ghat (or Mumbai Diaries).

A great place to appreciate the enormity of the community is from the flyover outside the nearby train station. Look down on the multitude of concrete washing pens, squeezed together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. See couriers carrying bags of clothing on their backs, on bicycles and on hand-pulled carts. The washermen serve the needs of individuals, hospitals, hotels and restaurants. Marvel at the fabrics that hang in a rainbow of colors from row upon row of washing lines.

Walk down the stairs to witness the action up-close. Watch as the dhobis stand in pools of water, soak the clothes and then thrash them on more than 700 flogging stones, sending soap suds swirling into the air. Then items are dropped into vats of starch before being hung to dry. Take a moment to reflect on how this apparent chaos is actually a remarkably efficient operation.

As you explore this curious community you’ll be able to peek inside the humble homes of its resident families. Spot groups of children coming and going from the school. Look and listen for temples including the Haji Daood Masjid and Santoshi Mata Mandir.

Dhobi Ghat is about a 25-minute drive from Colaba and Kala Ghada, two of Mumbai’s most popular coastal tourist areas. Get here via tuk-tuk or taxi or ride a train to Mahalaxmi station.

Visit Dhobi Ghat any day and pay a nominal donation. Hire a charismatic English-speaking guide for valuable inside information. Many workers are happy to engage in conversations and pose for photos, although you should be respectful of their privacy.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Dhobi Ghat Hotel Deals

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

5 out of 5
IA Project Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The price is AU$202 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
AU$202
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free valet parking, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Breakfast is excellent, room is very nice and large. Overall very good property for a quick stay"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Palm Grove

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Palm Grove

5 out of 5
Juhu Beach, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The price is AU$172 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
AU$172
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (741 reviews)
Excellent hotel
"Superb breakfast and lunch buffets and excellent ciffee! Nice, quiet rooms, comfortable bed, and amazing shower. Proximity to beach and restaurants."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Palm Grove
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

5 out of 5
Opposite Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The price is AU$465 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$465
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (565 reviews)
"One of the best hotels to stay in the world."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
Fairmont Mumbai

Fairmont Mumbai

5 out of 5
T2 C06 At C T S No 1405, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Int Arpt T2, Mumbai
The price is AU$261 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$261
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Juhu Beach and Phoenix Market City ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"This hotel is so beautiful. The staff is so helpful. Room service was quick, and the food was so delicious. 10/10 recommend and would go back again."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

Fairmont Mumbai
The Leela Mumbai

The Leela Mumbai

5 out of 5
Sahar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The price is AU$190 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
AU$190
2 Oct - 3 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Very good hotel in mumbai staff outstanding but need to be a bit closer to the center as you need.to travel a lot to see the sights"

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

The Leela Mumbai
Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel and Serviced Apartments

Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel and Serviced Apartments

5 out of 5
Bandra Kurla Complex vicinity, Off Western Express Highway, Vakola, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The price is AU$192 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
AU$192
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"ramesh room attendant was amazing. always there to help top guy. Front end staff always helpful as well as door staff. great experiance."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel and Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Dhobi Ghat

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Mumbai Central

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mumbai Central and surrounding area, you can visit Lamington Road and Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

Mumbai Central
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Worli

Bars, spas and seaside views are just a few things travellers like about Worli. Sights like Atria Mall and The National Sports Club Of India are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Mumbai area at Sant Gadge Maharaj Chok Station.

Worli
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Grant Road

You might enjoy the restaurants on your visit to Grant Road. Visitors recommend a visit to Lamington Road, and you can get around town on the metro at Grant Road Station.

Grant Road
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Dadar

Get to know Dadar and its many features like its churches and gardens. You might want to explore sights like Shivaji Park and Plaza Cinema, and you can jump on the metro at Dadar Western Station or Matunga Station to get around the city.

Dadar
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Fort

4/5(4 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and historical sites, there's plenty to explore in Fort. Top attractions like Mumbai International Cruise Terminal and Colaba Causeway are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Mumbai CSMT Station or CSMT Station to see more of the city.

Fort
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Nariman Point

Nariman Point is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Marine Drive and National Centre for the Performing Arts while in the area.

Nariman Point


Dhobi Ghat Travel Guide

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